A 25-player squad for the World Youth in Antalya, Turkey is getting ready to leave for the tournament, which begins a week from today, on November 11. Coaches include IM Armen Ambartsumian, FM Aviv Friedman, GM John Fedorowicz, FST (Fide Senior Trainer) Michael Khodarkovsky and GM Sam Palatnik. Michael Khodarkovsky, the head of delegation, told CLO, "Our experienced and dedicated coaches will be working tirelessly to help kids to achieve their goals."

Aviv Friedman told CLO, "This year is a bit of a transition year, with many new kids going, and some of our best players staying home (Robson, Arnold, Melekhina - to name a few). The timing of the event when many students are busy with finals, and cannot take time out of school, played a part in the team's composition (more so than in previous years). Still, such experiences are what will help the youth team's next generation excel. Without mentioning any names (or jinxing anyone :)), we also have some hopefuls even in this transition year. Wish us luck (and skill) !"